Report - Planning Inspectorate · Northampton Gateway, Northamptonshire - Bird Report J:\5700\5772\ECO\Birds\2016\\Combined WBS Report\5772 Winter Bird Report.doc 3 fpcr 1.0 SUMMARY

$Page 1: Report - Planning Inspectorate · Northampton Gateway, Northamptonshire - Bird Report J:\5700\5772\ECO\Birds\2016\\Combined WBS Report\5772 Winter Bird Report.doc 3 fpcr 1.0 SUMMARY$
J:\5700\5772\ECO\Birds\2016\\Combined WBS Report\5772 Winter Bird Report.doc

Roxhill (Junction 15) Ltd.

Northampton Gateway, Northampton

Winter Bird Survey Report

May 2018


FPCR Environment and Design Ltd Registered Office: Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby DE74 2RH Company No. 07128076. [T] 01509 672772 [F] 01509 674565 [E] [email protected] [W] www.fpcr.co.uk This report is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without the written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd. Ordnance Survey material is used with permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown copyright 100018896.

Rev Issue Status Prepared / Date Approved/Date

- Draft OGJ / 13.10.17 MWH / 17.10.17

A PH / 10.05.18 PH / 10.05.18

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.fpcr.co.uk/

Northampton Gateway, Northamptonshire - Bird Report

J:\5700\5772\ECO\Birds\2016\\Combined WBS Report\5772 Winter Bird Report.doc 2

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CONTENTS

1.0 SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 4

3.0 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................... 6

4.0 RESULTS AND EVALUATION .................................................................................... 12

5.0 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................... 23

FIGURES

Figure 1: SPA/Ramsar Cited Species Locations

Figure 2: Winter Bird Survey Results – Locations of Notable Species at the Main Site

Figure 3: Winter Bird Survey Results – Locations of Notable Species at the Bypass Corridor

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA / Ramsar Citation

Appendix B: Main Winter Bird Survey Results

Appendix C: Bypass Corridor Winter Bird Survey Results



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1.0 SUMMARY

1.1 FPCR were commissioned by Roxhill (Junction 15) Ltd to conduct Wintering bird surveys at

a site that comprises two main site areas including an area of land adjacent to J15 of the M1

motorway and a site to the west of the village of Roade, Northamptonshire Proposals for the

site include the construction of a bypass road around the village.

1.2 Desktop study results indicated that there was a single statutorily designated site within

10km of the site identified for its ornithological value. The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits

SPA/Ramsar was present approximately 5.5 west of the Main Site and there were a number

of records for notable bird species in the local area as detailed in Appendix B.

1.3 A total of 45 bird species were recorded during the surveys within the Main Site, of which 19

were considered ‘notable’ species.

1.4 A total of 39 bird species were recorded during the surveys within the Bypass Corridor site,

of which 13 were considered ‘notable’ species.

1.5 The arable habitats present on both sites were considered to be of Local importance for the

farmland bird assemblage recorded on site, comprising a number of common, but declining,

species. The assemblages of breeding birds making use of the hedgerows and woodland

areas of the sites were typical of these habitats and comprised for the most part common

and widespread species and were therefore considered to be of Local importance.

1.6 The habitats on both sites were considered to be of Local nature conservation value for 18

of the notable species recorded.

1.7 The sites were assessed against published criteria for Local Wildlife Site selection

(Northamptonshire Biodiversity Partnership 2014) and were not found to meet the criteria for

its breeding bird assemblage.

1.8 The impacts of the proposed development were considered against the unique ecological

requirements of each species considered to be the most vulnerable. Local adverse impact

was for a range of farmland species including skylark, yellow wagtail, linnet and

yellowhammer with negligible or beneficial impacts expected for all other species.

1.9 Assessment has demonstrated that the development will have Negligible impacts on the

Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA/Ramsar as the site does not provide regularly used

habitat for any features of interest.

1.10 A range of enhancement opportunities have been suggested based on the habitats and bird

species recorded in order to achieve biodiversity gains. These include sensitive planting and

habitat creation schemes and the provision of a range of nest boxes.



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2.0 INTRODUCTION

2.1 This report has been prepared by FPCR Environment and Design Ltd. on behalf of Roxhill

Development Limited and provides details of a series of breeding bird surveys undertaken

during 2016 at two sites to the west of junction 15 of the M1, Northamptonshire. The first site

is known as the ‘Main Site’ whilst the other is named ‘Bypass Corridor’.

2.2 This report has been produced to accompany an Environmental Statement of the

development proposals and should be read in conjunction with that document.

Main Site

2.1 The site is located to the west of Junction 15 of the M1 motorway (central grid reference SP

74749 54728), in Northamptonshire. It is bound by Collingtree Road to the north, the M1 and

A508 to the east, a rail line to the west and agricultural land to the south. The site comprises

agricultural fields bisected by hedgerows, with woodland blocks, tree lines and ditches also

present. An area used for recreational shooting is located roughly at the centre of the site

and this comprises a mosaic of habitats, including woodland, dense and scattered scrub,

closely mown grassland, a pond and several shooting features such as a shed and a

shooting lodge. Several other buildings are also present across the site, some of which are

now disused.

2.2 The surrounding landscape consists of farmland with further wooded areas, hedgerows, and

waterbodies. The villages of Collingtree and Milton Malsor are located close to the north-

east and north-west of the site respectively.

Bypass Corridor

2.3 The site includes a strip of land that crosses arable fields to the north and west of the village

of Roade, Northamptonshire (centred on grid reference SP 748 516) as shown on Figure 2.

The site was dominated by cereal crop stubble at the time of survey with a series of

boundary hedgerows and two small woodland blocks in the south and north of the site. The

central part of the site was dominated by improved grassland pasture fields with associated

boundary hedgerows. Surrounding land use included the residential environs within the

village of Roade to the east and further arable farmland with associated hedgerows and

woodland blocks to the north, west and south. The northern part of the site was bisected by

an active railway that ran through the centre of Roade.

Development Proposals

2.4 The Proposed Development comprises a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) (referred

to herein as the ‘Main Site’) and associated Highway Mitigation Works (referred to

collectively herein as the ‘Highway Mitigation Works’).

2.5 Full details of the Proposed Development are provided separately in Chapter 2: Application

Site and Proposed Development. In brief, the Proposed Development consists of the

following:

• An intermodal freight terminal including container storage and HGV parking, rail sidings

to serve individual warehouses, and the provision of an aggregates facility as part of the

intermodal freight terminal, with the capability to also provide a ‘rapid rail freight’ facility;



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• Up to 468,000 sq m (approximately 5 million sq ft) (gross internal area) of warehousing

and ancillary buildings, with additional floorspace provided in the form of mezzanines;

• A secure, dedicated, HGV parking area of approximately 120 spaces including driver

welfare facilities to meet the needs of HGVs visiting the site or intermodal terminal;

• New road infrastructure and works to the existing road network, including the provision of

a new access and associated works to the A508, a new bypass to the village of Roade,

improvements to Junction 15 and to J15A of the M1 motorway, the A45, other highway

improvements at junctions on the local highway network and related traffic management

measures;

• Strategic landscaping and tree planting, including diverted public rights of way;

• Earthworks and demolition of existing structures on the SRFI site.

Survey Objectives

2.6 The objectives of the survey were to:

• Identify the presence and distribution of wintering birds on the site, in particular any

species that contribute to the designation of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special

Protection Area (SPA)/Ramsar;

• Evaluate the importance of local bird populations and their habitat requirements;

• Evaluate the conservation importance of the site and identify any areas of ornithological

interest;

• In accordance with the requirements of the Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as

amended), evaluate the likelihood of a significant effects upon the Upper Nene Valley

Gravel Pits SPA / Ramsar; and

• Make recommendations to minimize the potential impact of development and where

feasible to consider opportunities for additional habitat creation.

Legislation & Status

2.7 The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) is the principal legislation affording

protection to UK wild birds. Under this legislation all birds, their nests and eggs are protected

by law and it is an offence, with certain exceptions to recklessly or intentionally:

• Kill, injure or take any wild bird;

• Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while in use or being built;

• Take or destroy the egg of any wild bird.

2.8 Species listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (WCA

Sch.1) are specially protected at all times. This extends their protection whereby they are

protected against intentional disturbance whilst building or occupying a nest, and against

disturbance of dependent young.

2.9 A number of birds feature on the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, Section

41 (NERC S.41) as species which are of principal importance for the conservation of



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biodiversity in England. The S41 list is used to guide decision-makers such as public bodies,

including local and regional authorities, in implementing their duty under section 40 of the

NERC Act, to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out

their normal functions.

2.10 The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for Northamptonshire features species action plans for

barn owl Tyto alba and nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos (Northamptonshire Biodiversity

Partnership 2008), in addition to plans related to other taxa.

Status

2.11 In addition to statutory protection, some bird species are classified according to their

conservation status, such as their inclusion on the Red and Amber lists of Birds of

Conservation Concern (BoCC) in the UK1:

• Red list (high conservation concern) species are those that are Globally Threatened

according to IUCN criteria; those whose population has declined rapidly (50% or more) in

recent years; and those that have declined historically and not shown a substantial recent

recovery.

• Amber list (medium conservation concern) species are those with an unfavourable

conservation status in Europe; those whose population or range has declined moderately

(between 25% and 49%) in recent years; those whose population has declined

historically but made a substantial recent recovery; rare breeders; and those with

internationally important or localised populations.

• Green list (low conservation concern) species fulfil none of the above criteria.

3.0 METHODOLOGY

Desktop Study

3.1 In order to compile existing baseline information, a desktop survey was undertaken in 2014

and 2016. The desk study comprised a search for existing ecological data regarding

statutorily and non-statutorily designated habitats/sites of interest to nature conservation and

protected bird species. The following organisations were contacted as part of this exercise:

• Northamptonshire Biological Records Centre; and

• Additional records were also requested from the former county recorder2.

3.2 The Multi-Agency Government Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website

(www.magic.gov.uk) was also consulted for information on the presence of statutorily

protected sites including Special Protection Areas (SPA) within 5km and Sites of Special

Scientific Interest (SSSIs) within 2km.

1 Eaton MA, Aebischer NJ, Brown AF, Hearn R, Lock L, Musgrove AJ, Noble DG, Stroud D, and Gregory RD (2015) Birds of

Conservation Concern 4: the population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. British Birds 108, pp708-746 2 Data includes records of bird species recorded during the winter period (November – February) between 2007 + 2011, and

bird species recorded during the breeding season (April – July) between 2008 + 2011



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Previous Survey Work

3.3 The Main Site area was subject to a suite of winter bird surveys in 2013/14. Surveys include

a total of 17 surveys which either focused on the general assemblage (all species) or

qualifyinf species for the SPA (see para 3.6 – 3.10 below for methods). Table 1 provides

details of survey dates and conditions for all previous winter bird survey work.

3.4 The survey methodology employed during full wintering bird surveys in 2013/14 was broadly

based on that of territory mapping3 as used for the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

Common Bird Census (CBC). Standard BTO species codes and symbols for bird activities

were used to identify birds and denote activity, sex and age where appropriate. A route was

mapped out prior to the surveys being undertaken, paying particular attention to any linear

features, such as hedgerows and tree lines, and natural features such as ponds, areas of

scrub and woodland.

3.5 No previous surveys were conducted on the Bypass Corridor Site.

Table 1: Survey Dates and Conditions of Previous Survey Work

Survey Date Survey Rationale Cloud Cover (%)

Rain Wind Visibility

1 30.11.13 SPA and full WBS

assemblage survey 0 None Light Air Excellent

2 10.12.13 SPA only 100 None Light

Breeze Very Good


assemblage survey 50 None

Moderate/

Occasional

gusts

Good

4 10.01.14 SPA only 50 None Light Air Good

5

16.01.14

(pm) &

17.01.14

(am)

SPA only. Dusk

and dawn survey 60 / 80 Showers/None

Gentle

Breeze

Good/Very

Good


assemblage survey 70 Light Showers

Gentle

Breeze Very good

7 13.02.14 SPA only 50 None Light Good

8

20.02.14

(pm) &

21.02.14

(am)

SPA only. Dusk

and dawn survey 10 / 10 None

Light

Breeze Excellent


assemblage survey 100

Occasional

Rain

Light

Breeze Moderate

10 12.03.14 SPA only 20 None Calm Excellent

3 Bibby, C.J., N.D. Burgess & D.A. Hill, 2000: Bird Census Techniques: 2nd Edition. London: Academic Press



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11

19.03.14

(pm) &

20.03.14

(am)

SPA only. Dusk

and dawn survey 10 / 70 None

Moderate

Breeze Excellent

12 26.03.14 SPA only 70 None Gentle

Breeze Very Good

13 17.10.14 SPA only. 70 None Gentle

Breeze Very Good

14 23.10.14 SPA only. 80 None Gentle

Breeze Excellent

15

29.10.14

(pm) &

30.10.14

(am)

SPA only. Dusk

and dawn survey 100 / 50

Light Rain on

and off /None Light Air Good

16 06.11.14 SPA only. 100 None Moderate

Breeze Good

17

24.11.14

(pm) &

25.11.14

(am)

SPA only. Dusk

and dawn survey 10 / 70 None Calm

Excellent

/Moderate

1 SPA – Survey to determine the use of the site by species which contribute to the interest features of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA.

WBS – Wintering Bird Survey of the site to determine the use of the site by over-wintering bird populations.

Field Survey

Main Site

3.6 The Annex I and II species of the SPA designation comprise; gadwall Anas strepera,

common pochard Aythya farina, tufted duck Aythya fuligula, bittern Botaurus stellaris, coot

Fulica atra, cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, golden plover, great-crested grebe Podiceps

cristatus and lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Mute swan Cygnus olor and gadwall form part of

sites designation as a Ramsar.

3.7 The qualifying species of the SPA/Ramsar and which are considered most likely to use the

habitats present on site are golden plover and lapwing. These waders can use areas of

open farmland habitat as both a foraging and loafing resource. Given the predominance of

arable habitats within the site boundary and surrounding area, particular attention was given

to any occurrence of golden plover or lapwing on site, in addition to areas adjacent to the

site.

3.8 A total of 12 surveys were undertaken between November 2016 to March 2017 and 10

survey were undertaken between , i.e. 2 per calendar month, for the purpose of identifying

any species from the over-wintering bird populations that contribute to the designation of the

Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA / Ramsar.

3.9 Six of the survey occasions involved a dusk and dawn visit with monitoring at least an hour

after dusk and an hour before dawn during the same night to assess the likely nocturnal use

of the site by golden plover and lapwing.



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3.10 A predetermined route was mapped out prior to the surveys being undertaken, paying

particular attention to field centres and linear features such as hedgerows and tree lines,

plantation and natural features such as ponds and areas of scrub.

3.11 Table 2 provides the dates and weather conditions of the 12 SPA/Ramsar species specific

surveys carried out in 2016/17 and 2017/18.

Table 2: Survey Dates and Conditions for SPA Species Wintering Bird Surveys Carried out from October 2016 to March 2017 and November 2017 to March 2018.

Survey Occasion

Date Cloud (%)


2016-2017 Survey Period

1 14.10.16 10 None Light air Very Good

2

27.10.16

(pm) 40-70 None Light breeze Excellent

28.10.16

(am) 50-80 None Light breeze Excellent

3 09.11.16 100 Light shower at

start of survey

Calm to light

breeze

Moderate at start

then improving to

good

4

28.11.16

(pm) 0-40 None Calm/light air Very good

29.11.16

(am) 0-10 None Light air Excellent

5 12.12.16 100 Light Drizzle Light breeze Good

6

20.12.16

(pm) 10 None Light air Excellent

21.12.162

(am) 50-70 None Gentle breeze Good

7 16.01.17 100

Light drizzle

partway through

survey

Light breeze Good

8 30.01.17 100 None Light breeze Good

31.01.17 100 Light drizzle at

beginning Gentle breeze Moderate/Good

9 15.02.17 70 None Light breeze Excellent

10 27.02.17 90 None Light breeze Good/very good

28/02.17 5-30 None Light air/light

breeze Good/excellent


17.03.17 30 None Light breeze Good


2017-2018 Survey Period



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Survey Occasion

Date Cloud (%)



2

27.11.17

(pm) &

28.11.17

(am)

100 / 13 None Gentle / light

breeze Excellent

3

06.11.17

(pm) &

07.11.17

(am)

90 None / Rain

Gentle /

moderate

breeze

Excellent

4 19.12.17 85 None Moderate

breeze Excellent

5 04.01.18 50-100 Fine drizzle for

10 mins Fresh breeze Excellent

6

18.01.18

(pm) &

19.01.18

60 / 0 None Gentle / light

breeze Excellent

7 05.02.18 40 None Gentle breeze Excellent

8

22.02.18

(pm) &

23.02.18

(am)

20 / 25 None Light breeze Excellent

9 07.03.18 50 None Light air Excellent

10

28.03.18

(pm)

&29.03.18

(am)

30-75 None Light Air Excellent

1 Dusk/Dawn surveys constituted a single survey occasion 2 No dawn survey completed on the mitigation area due to staff illness

Bypass Corridor

3.12 Full wintering bird surveys were carried out at the Bypass Corridor site in 2015/16 following

the same methodology employed during the full wintering bird surveys on the Main Site area

in 2013/14 as described above. Table 3 provides the dates and weather conditions for these

surveys.

Table 3: Survey Dates and Conditions for Full Wintering Bird Surveys Carried out on the Bypass Corridor site from November 2015 to February 2016

Survey Date Cloud Cover (%)


1 14.12.15 100 None Light Breeze Good

2 23.12.15 10 None Moderate Breeze Good

3 21.01.16 80-40 None Light breeze Good



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Survey Date Cloud Cover (%)


4 10.02.16 30 None Light breeze Good

Survey Limitations

3.13 Access was denied for land covering the central western of part of the site and surveys were

unable to cover this area. It was therefore deemed appropriate to cover a wider survey area

to assess the species composition present within the local area to in turn determine the

likely assemblage that would be present on site. This approach was considered suitable to

make an assessment of the potential impacts of the development on the local winter bird

assemblage.

Species & Assemblage Assessment

3.14 The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) guidance on

ecological impact assessment assesses nature conservation importance within a

geographical context4. To attain each level of importance, an ornithological resource or one

of the features (species population or assemblage of species) should meet the criteria set

out in Table 4. In some cases, professional judgment may be required to increase or

decrease the allocation of importance, based upon local knowledge

Table 4: Evaluation Criteria

Nature Conservation Value

Examples of Selection Criteria

International A species which is part of the cited interest of an SPA and which regularly occurs in internationally or nationally important numbers. A species present in internationally important numbers (>1% of international population).

National A species which is part of the cited interest of a SSSI and which regularly occurs in nationally or regionally important numbers. A nationally important assemblage of breeding or over-wintering species. A species present in nationally important numbers (>1% UK population). Rare breeding species (<300 breeding pairs in the UK).

Regional Species listed as being of principal importance under NERC S.41 which are not covered above, and which regularly occurs in regionally important numbers. Species present in regionally important numbers (>1% of regional population). Sustainable populations of species that are rare or scarce within a region. Species on the BoCC Red List and which regularly occurs in regionally important numbers.

4 http://www.cieem.net/data/files/Publications/EcIA_Guidelines_Terrestrial_Freshwater_and_Coastal_Jan_2016.pdf

http://www.cieem.net/data/files/Publications/EcIA_Guidelines_Terrestrial_Freshwater_and_Coastal_Jan_2016.pdf



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Nature Conservation Value

Examples of Selection Criteria

County Species listed as being of principal importance under NERC S.41 which are not covered above and which regularly occurs in county important numbers Species present in county important numbers (>1% of county population). Sustainable populations of species that are rare or scarce within a county, or are listed as being of principle importance under S41 of the NERC Act. A site designated for its county important assemblage of birds (e.g. a SINC Site). Species on the BoCC Red List and which regularly occur in county important numbers.

Local Other species of conservation interest (e.g. all other species on the BoCC Red and Amber List or species listed as being of principal importance under NERC S.41 which are not covered above) regularly occurring in locally sustainable populations. Sustainable populations of species which are rare or scarce within the locality.

Site Species that are common and widespread

3.15 The site has also been assessed against the selection criteria for LWS5 for

Northamptonshire on a number of criteria set out for breeding and wintering birds. LWSs are

recognised by central government as an important tool in promoting sustainable

development and protecting biodiversity.

3.16 The recent county annual bird report Northants Birds – County Bird Records for 20156 was

consulted to inform the assessment.

4.0 RESULTS AND EVALUATION

Desk Top Study

Designated Sites

4.1 The details of all designated sites within the local area are provided in Chapter 5: Figure 6.1

of the ES.

Upper Nene valley Gravel Pits SPA / Ramsar

4.2 The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA/Ramsar lies c. 5.5km to the east boundary of the

Main Site at its closest point. The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA/Ramsar is a

discontinuous series of water bodies stretching over 35km from Clifford Hill on the edge of

Northampton to the north of Thrapston. The habitats support internationally important

populations of two Annex I bird species and a high proportion of the total European

population of Gadwall Anas strepera and a nationally important numbers of breeding bird

(Table 4). Integrity of the site is dependent upon maintenance of the structure and function

5 Northamptonshire Biodiversity Partnership (2014): Wildlife Site Selection Guidelines Northamptonshire 2007 (update 2010) 6 Northants Bird Club (2016), Northants Birds: County Bird Records for 2015.



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of wet woodland in the floodplain, the varied wetland habitats, water quality and supply and

suitable breeding, foraging and roosting areas for birds.

4.3 With regard to the qualifying populations of individual breeding, passage and wintering bird

species and assemblage species, the conservation objectives of the Upper Nene Valley

Gravel Pits SPA/Ramsar, and subject to natural change, are to:

“Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure

that the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive, by maintaining or

restoring;

• The extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features

• The structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features

• The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely

• The population of each of the qualifying features, and,

• The distribution of the qualifying features within the site.”

Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI

4.4 The national importance of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits is recognised by their

designation as a SSSI under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). The

interest features of this SSSI are also summarised in Table 5 and include nationally

important breeding and over-wintering populations of birds and wet woodland habitat.

Table 5: Statutory Sites of Nature Conservation Interest within the Desktop Search Area

Designation Justification / Interest Feature

SPA The high proportion of the total UK population of wintering and breeding

bird species listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive. These are:

Bittern Botaurus stellarsi W

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria W

The high proportion of the total European population of Annex II bird

species. These are:

Gadwall Anas strepera W, P

The large total numbers of wildfowl supported by the estuary; 23,821

(5 year peak mean 1999/2000 – 2003/04).

Ramsar Criterion 1: Water bird assemblage of international importance

(23,821 waterfowl)

Criterion 6: Nationally important numbers of the following bird species:

Mute swan Cygnus olor 629 individuals

(1.7% national population)



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Designation Justification / Interest Feature

Gadwall Anas strepera 773 individuals

(2% NW European

population)

SSSI Nationally important breeding bird assemblage of lowland waters and

their margins

Nationally important numbers of wintering waterbird species including:

wigeon, shoveler, pochard, tufted duck, great-crested grebe, cormorant,

coot, mallard, gadwall, golden plover and lapwing

Nationally important assemblage of wintering waterbirds

B, breeding population; P, passage population; W, wintering population.

Main Site Species Records

4.5 Numerous records for birds within 1km of the site were provided by NBRC and the County

Recorder as part of the desk study. The majority of records occurred to the north of the site

in association with the fringe of Northampton, particularly along Wootton Brook, and to the

south-west around the village of Blisworth.

4.6 There were a number of records for bird species within the local area recorded within the

winter bird season including a number of protected or ‘notable’ species as listed in Table 6.

Table 6: 2014 Records of Protected and Notable Birds from Local Area around the Main Site

Name WCA Sch.1 NERC S.41

BoCC Red List

Grey partridge Perdix perdix +

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus +

Curlew Numenius arquata +

Herring gull Larus argentatus +

Merlin Falco columbarius +

Marsh tit Poecile palustris +

Skylark Alauda arvensis +

Starling Sturnus vulgaris +

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris +

Song thrush Turdus philomelos +

Redwing Turdus iliacus + +

Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus

House sparrow Passer domesticus +

Yellow wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima +

Grey wagtail Motocilla cinerea

Linnet Linaria cannabina +

Lesser redpoll Carduelis cabaret +

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella +

BoCC Amber List

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Snipe Gallingo gallingo

Black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus



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Common Gull Larus canus

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis +

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula +

BoCC Green List

Barn owl Tyto alba +

Bypass Corridor Species Records

4.7 Records returned by NBRC identified the presence of a number of barn owl, red kite Milvus

milvus and ring-necked parakeet Psittacula krameri records all of which were located within

the Stoke Bruerne Brickpits LWS c.1.2km south west of the survey area.

4.8 As with the Main Site, there were a number of records for bird species within the local area

recorded within the winter bird season including a number of protected or ‘notable’ species

as listed in Table 7.

Table 7. Notable Wintering Bird Species Recorded Within the Local Area

Name WCA Sch.1 NERC S.41

BoCC Red list

Grey partridge Perdix perdix +

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus +

Herring gull Larus argenteus +

Marsh tit Poecile palustris +

Skylark Alauda arvensis +

Starling Sturnus vulgaris +

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris +

Song thrush Turdus philomelos +

Redwing Turdus iliacus +

Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus

House sparrow Passer domesticus +

Tree sparrow Passer montanus +

Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Linnet Linaria cannabina +

Lesser redpoll Acanthis cabaret +

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella +

BoCC Amber list

Mute swan Cygnus cygnus

Eurasian teal Anas crecca

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos


Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Gull Larus canus

Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus


Stock dove Columba oenas

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis +

Dunnock Prunella modularis +

Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula +

BoCC Green list

Peregrine Falco peregrinus +

Barn owl Tyto alba +



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Field Survey

Qualifying Species of the Upper Nene Gravel Pits SPA / Ramsar

2013/14 Surveys

1.1 During previous surveys of the site carried out in 2013/14, golden plover was regularly

recorded both foraging and loafing within the centre of a large (c.40ha) arable field

compartment on site as illustrated by TN1 on Figure 1. Golden plover was recorded on 10 of

the 17 survey occasions within this field compartment with a maximum count of 507 birds.

Table 8: Summary of Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria recorded on-site

Survey Occasion Maximum Number Recorded

1 350-400

2 200

7 22

9 507

11 17 (pm) / 1 (am)

13 112

14 116

15 40 (pm) / 130 (am)

16 120

17 11 (pm) / 0 (am)

1 5 year peak mean 1999/2000 – 2003/2004 of 5790 wintering individuals.

1.2 A number of the dusk and dawn surveys (survey occasions 11, 15 and 17) demonstrated

that small numbers of golden plover make occasional use of the site at night for roosting

and/or feeding. During survey occasion 15, the flock of 40 birds was observed to leave the

site prior to dusk with small numbers of birds returning from 07:10am the following morning,

reaching a peak of 130 birds by 09:20am. Eleven golden plover were observed during the

evening of the final survey occasion, using the field both for roosting, and after dark, for

feeding. These birds were not observed on site the following morning, having moved on

sometime overnight.

1.3 A single lapwing was observed within the same large arable field compartment and separate

from the golden plover flock on a single survey occasion (28.02.14) and represents 0.03% of

the five year peak mean Upper Nene Gravel Pits SPA7.

2016/17 Surveys

1.4 No golden plover were recorded on site during 2016/17 winter bird surveys.

7 5 year peak mean 1999/2000 – 2003/2004 of 3349 wintering individuals



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1.5 The only other species recorded that contributes to Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits

SPA/Ramsar was lapwing. Lapwing were recorded in small to moderate numbers during five

survey occasions with a peak count of 35 birds recorded during a badger survey of the site

on the 8th December 2016. Observations included foraging and loafing birds with a single

observation of a flock of 54 birds overflying a field in the north of the site.

2017/18 Surveys

1.6 Golden golden plover were recorded on site during 2017/18 surveys on only two occasions:

on the evening of 27th November 2017 and on the 7th March 2018 when a total of ten and

two birds were observed respectively.

1.7 A flock of eighteen lapwing were also noted on the 7th March 2018.

Full Winter Bird Surveys (2013/14)

4.9 A total of 45 species were recorded within the site boundary during 2013/14 winter bird

surveys, of which 19 appear on one or more of the following:

• Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended);

• BoCC Red or Amber lists;

• Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006;

1.8 A summary of the status of those notable species recorded on site is provided in Table 9. An

illustration of the location of notable species recorded within the site is shown in Figure 1. A

full list of 45 species recorded and the numbers observed on each survey occasion is

provided in Appendix C.

Table 9: Protected, S41 NERC Act priority species, BoCC Red and Amber Listed Recorded at the Main Site during Wintering Bird Surveys and their Recent Status within Northamptonshire

Species Legal /

Conservation status

Maximum Count

Status in Northamptonshire1

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Green list 507/2 Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Red list S.41 NERC

1/1 Declining resident, common passage migrant and winter visitor

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

Red list 1/1 Rare local breeder supplemented by winter visitors

Lesser Black-baked Gull Larus fuscus

Amber list 1/1 Common passage migrant and winter visitor, recent summering

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Red list S.41 NERC

1/1 Fairly common, mainly winter visitor, recent summering

Stock Dove Columba oenas

Amber list 22/2 Widespread resident


Amber list 1/2 Widespread resident



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Species Legal /

Conservation status

Maximum Count

Status in Northamptonshire1

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Red list S.41 NERC

13/4 Declining common resident and winter visitor

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Red list S.41 NERC

71/1 Common resident and winter visitor

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Red list Schedule 1

184/4 Common passage migrant and winter visitor

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Red list S.41 NERC

4/3 Widespread resident and passage migrant

Redwing Turdus iliacus

Red list Schedule 1

148/4 Common passage migrant and winter visitor

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Red list 3/2 Common resident

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Amber list S.41 NERC

10/4 Common resident

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Amber list 2/1 Common passage migrant, winter visitor and scare breeder

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Amber list S.41 NERC

4/4 Widespread but scarce resident

Linnet Linaria cannabina

Red list S.41 NERC

130/3 Declining resident

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

Red list S.41 NERC

4/2 Fairly common, but declining resident

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Amber list NERC S.41

5/2 Declining resident and passage migrant

1 Taken from The Annual Report of Birds in Northamptonshire 2015.

Bypass Corridor Winter Bird Surveys

4.10 A total of 39 bird species were recorded within the survey area (Appendix C). Of these, 13

appear on one or more of the following:

• Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended);

• BoCC Red or Amber lists;

• Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006;

4.11 The distribution of the 13 notable species is illustrated on Figure 2 and Table 10 provides a

summary of the species recorded.

Table 10: Protected, Species of Principal Importance and BoCC Red and Amber Listed Bird Species Recorded during Wintering Bird Surveys 2016, and their Recent Status within Northamptonshire



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Species

Legal/

Conservation

status

Maximum

Count /

Number of

Survey

Occasions

Recorded

Recent

Status in Northamptonshire

Stock dove

Columba oenas Amber list 15/2 Widespread resident

Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus Amber list 3/2 Widespread resident

Marsh tit

Poecile palustris

Red list

NERC S.41 2/1 Declining widespread resident

Skylark

Alauda arvensis

Red list

NERC S.41 32/3 Declining common resident and winter visitor

Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

Red list

NERC S.41 33/2 Common resident and winter visitor

Fieldfare

Turdus pilaris

Red list

WCA Sch.1 186/3 Common passage migrant and winter visitor

Song thrush

Turdus philomelos

Red list

NERC S.41 4/2 Widespread resident and passage migrant

Redwing

Turdus iliacus

Red list

WCA Sch.1 54/3 Common passage migrant and winter visitor

Dunnock

Prunella modularis

Amber list

NERC S.41 6/3 Common resident

Meadow pipit

Anthus pratensis Amber list 2/1

Common passage migrant, winter visitor and

scarce breeder

Bullfinch

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Amber list

NERC S.41 4/3 Widespread but scarce resident

Linnet

Linaria cannabina

Red list

WCA Sch.1 70/1 Declining resident

Yellowhammer

Emberiza citrinella

Red list

WCA Sch.1 20/3 Fairly common, but declining resident

Evaluation

Main Site

Local Wildlife Site Assessment

4.12 Criterion a) of the Northamptonshire Wildlife Site Selection Criteria for birds states:

‘Any site that regularly contains 0.1% or more of the total British non-breeding population of

any species during any period (e.g. wintering, non-breeding summer, moulting, passage).’

4.13 The guidelines stipulates that a ‘three-year mean peak count should be used.’ SPA surveys

have covered three winters: 2013/14, 2016/17 and 2017/18. Over this period, golden plover

have only been recorded on site during two of the winter survey seasons covered, with no



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golden plover identified during 2016/17 surveys. As a result, this falls well short of 0.1% of

the total British non-breeding population and the site would not qualify under the criteria.

Breeding & Wintering Assemblage

4.14 Wintering bird surveys have identified that the site is used sporadically by foraging flocks of

farmland specialist species including skylark, meadow pipit, linnet and yellowhammer.

Skylark were regularly recorded on site in small numbers while the remaining three species

were irregularly recorded in small numbers with sporadic records of large flocks

foraging/moving across the site. These habitats also provided benefits to other flocking

species including starling, lapwing and winter thrush species which were occasionally

recorded in large and small to moderate flocks, respectively. The arable habitats on site are

therefore considered to be of Local significance to the starling, lapwing and the farmland bird

population in the locality where it forms part of a network of foraging resources.

4.15 Hedgerows and woodland habitats provided good breeding opportunities to a range of

notable woodland/generalist species, particularly where they provided a mosaic of resources

with other habitats. This assemblage included song thrush, mistle thrush, bullfinch and the

winter thrush species in addition to a range of common and widespread species. These

habitats were therefore considered to represent an overwintering resource that is of Local

significnace for this assemblage.

Individual Species

4.16 As previously discussed, the arable habitats present on site provide a foraging resource for

large numbers of golden plover on a very irregular basis. Given the suitability of the foraging

habitats available and the numbers recorded during previous survey work the arable

habitats present on site are considered to be of Local significance for this species.

4.17 Whilst kestrel were only occasionally recorded in small numbers during winter bird surveys

and no barn owl were observed, additional observations during SPA species surveys and

evidence from breeding bird surveys suggests that the derelict farm buildings in the east of

the site are regularly used by both species. The site is therefore considered to be of Local

significance for these species.

4.18 Small numbers of reed bunting were observed using hedgerows and ponds where they

provided suitable over wintering habitat in association with arable foraging habitats. These

habitats were considered to be of Local significance for this species.

4.19 The majority of the other breeding and over wintering bird species were either recorded in

smaller numbers, were recorded flying over the site, were noted in unsuitable breeding

habitats and / or are considered common and widespread breeding species. These

individual species that make use of the available habitats are recognised as being of only

site/negligible importance.

Bypass Corridor

Local Wildlife Site Assessment



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4.20 The site was assessed against published criteria for Local Wildlife Site selection

(Northamptonshire Biodiversity Partnership 2014) to assess the site against the thresholds

for county value. The criterion relevant to this assessment included the presence of any

notable birds listed in Appendix 13 of the LWS selection document. None of the species

listed were present on site during wintering bird surveys and it is therefore considered that

the site would not meet the criteria for an LWS based on its wintering bird assemblage

alone.

Wintering Bird Assemblage

4.21 Arable habitats and their associated field margins provided suitable foraging habitat for

several farmland species, including skylark, linnet and yellowhammer. Arable land within the

site boundary likely forms part of a network of foraging habitat that is abundant within the

surrounding landscape that is used by the local overwintering farmland bird populations and

the site is therefore considered to be of no more than Local importance for this assemblage.

4.22 Although a number of notable species were recorded, the overall assemblage recorded

within woodland and hedgerows was unremarkable and typical of the habitats present within

the survey area. Woodland blocks and boundary hedgerows are a common feature of the

surrounding arable landscape and the habitats present within the site boundary were

therefore considered to be of no more than Local level importance for its wintering bird

assemblage.

Individual Species

4.23 Woodland and hedgerow habitats across the site were noted to support small numbers of

bullfinch. Whilst widespread in Northamptonshire, this species is considered to be a scarce

resident and the population recorded within the survey area is therefore considered to be of

Local importance.

4.24 Marsh tit were recorded in small numbers (two during the second survey occasion) within

woodland habitats west of the A508 (Stratford road). This species, while widespread in

Northamptonshire, has experienced population declines in the county and the habitats

present on site are therefore considered to be of Local nature conservation value for this

species.

4.25 Other notable species recorded regularly and/or in reasonable numbers include stock dove,

starling and song thrush. Each of these individual breeding species is considered to be of

Local importance.

4.26 Buzzard are listed as a rare breeding species in guidelines for Local Wildlife Site selection

(Northamptonshire Biodiversity Partnership 2014). However, buzzard populations are well

known to have undergone increases in recent times, and the Northamptonshire Bird Report

2014 lists them as a widespread resident. Therefore, the presence of this species within the

foraging over arable farmland on site is therefore considered to be of Site importance.

4.27 Although fieldfare and redwing are Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as

amended), this protection is attributed to breeding individuals of each species, with numbers

of breeding redwing and fieldfare having experience significant declines in the UK. Both

species, however, are common winter visitors to Northamptonshire and although they were



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recorded in large numbers, there is an abundance of arable foraging habitat available for

winter thrushes in the surrounding landscape and the site is therefore considered to be of no

more than Site importance for redwing and fieldfare.

4.28 The majority of the other breeding and over wintering bird species were either recorded in

smaller numbers, were recorded flying over the site, were noted in unsuitable breeding

habitats and/or are considered common and widespread breeding species. These individual

species that make use of the available habitats are recognised as being of only Site

importance.

4.29 Table 11 provides a summary of the notable species recorded on both the main and Bypass

site.

Table 11: Birds of Local Importance

Name

Status Survey Area Recorded

Importance WCA Sch.1

NERC S.41

BoCC Red list

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus + Main Site only

Local

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

Main Site only

Site

Herring gull Larus argentatus + Main Site Main Site

Site

Marsh tit Poecile palustris + Bypass Corridor only

Local

Skylark Alauda arvensis + Main Site and Bypass Corridor

Local

Starling Sturnus vulgaris + Main Site and Bypass Corridor

Local

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris + Main Site and Bypass Corridor

Local

Song thrush Turdus philomelos

+ Main Site and Bypass Corridor

Local

Redwing Turdus iliacus + Main Site and Bypass Corridor

Local

Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus Main Site Local

Linnet Carduelis cannabina


Local

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella


Local

BoCC Amber list

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Main Site only

Site


Main Site only

Site

Lesser black-backed gull

Larus fuscus Main Site Site



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Stock dove Columba oenas Main Site and Bypass Corridor

Local

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Main Site and Bypass Corridor

Local

Dunnock Prunella modularis


Local

Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis Main Site and Bypass Corridor

Local

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula + Main Site and Bypass Corridor

Local

Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

+ Main Site Local

BoCC Green list

Barn owl Tyto alba + Main Site only

Local

Golden plover Pluvialis apricaria Main Site only

Local

5.0 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 The following section provides an evaluation of the survey results and an assessment of

likely effects upon European Sites and of the potential impacts of the proposals upon

breeding and overwintering birds. Where appropriate, recommendations are provided for

mitigation and enhancement that take account of the likely ecological effects. Throughout

the evaluation, any recommendations for mitigation have been informed by the most up-to-

date Master Plan.

5.2 The site is proposed for the development of two warehouse units with associated access,

parking and green infrastructure. Included within green infrastructure proposals are

additional areas of grassland and shrub planting, the creation of a pond and some

seasonally wet areas.

5.3 The recommendations below have been given with the aim of informing development

proposals on how to best maintain the conservation status of bird species present.

Assessment of Likely Effects on the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits

SPA/Ramsar

5.4 The current proposals are situated outside the boundary of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel

Pits SPA/Ramsar and will not lead to any direct effects upon habitats within the boundary of

this designated site. However, it is acknowledged that the proposals for development have

the potential to have indirect effects upon the interest features of this European Site,

particularly given the sites proximity to the SPA boundary.

5.5 In addressing the potential effects, consideration has been given to the conservation

objectives (Appendix A).



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5.6 This field will be permanently lost during construction of the site, reducing the overall

availability of occasionally used foraging habitat for this species. However, research has

demonstrated that numerous fields within the wider area also have the potential to support

populations of golden plover (Environ 20108) and the site is likely used as one of many

irregularly used foraging resources by the SPA/Ramsar golden plover population. It is

considered that even in the absence of mitigation or compensation the loss of habitat that is

only used on an occasional basis by golden plover is unlikely to affect the conservation

status of the SPA/Ramsar. Therefore, it is considered that this habitat loss is likely to result

in an impact of Negligible significance upon the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits

SPA/Ramsar. A full assessment is provided in the Report on European Sites: Habitat

Regulations Assessment Pursuant to Regulation 5(2)(g) (FPCR 2018).

Potential Effects and Mitigation for Overwintering Birds

5.7 The potential impact of the loss or change of habitat upon breeding and overwintering bird

species arising from the effects of development is based upon an understanding of each

species’ ecological requirements, the type of development, number of birds recorded on site,

their nature conservation criteria based on legislation and current guidance, their county

status according to The Annual Report of Birds in Northamptonshire 2014 and professional

judgement.

5.8 The following potential impacts to the recorded bird populations and assemblage may result

from the proposals:

• Direct loss / change of wintering habitat;

• Disturbance during construction and / or operation.

8 Environ (2010) Survey Work to Suppoprt the Appropriate Assessment for the west Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy –

Report of Elements 3 and 4 A report produced on behalf of the West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit


J:\5700\5772\ECO\Birds\2016\Combined WBS Report\5772 Winter Bird Report.doc 25

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Table 12: Evaluation of Species Considered Potentially Sensitive to Habitat Loss/Change

Species Habitat Requirements1 Species Account (Refer to Figure 1)

Nature Conservation Value2

Characterisation of Expected Impact and Suggested Mitigation &

Compensation

Golden Plover Likes short vegetation or bare areas on upland heaths.

Main Site: Large flocks of up to 507 recorded in 2013/14 using large open arable field in the east of the site. None recorded in 2016/17

Bypass Corridor: None recorded

Local

The loss of arable habitats may lead to the loss of golden plover as an irregular winter visitor to the site. While retained habitats in the south of the site may supply foraging habitats for reduced numbers, increases in disturbance on site will likely render these areas largely unsuitable.

Lapwing In winter found mainly on pasture, arable fields and wetland areas in which they often occur in large feeding and roosting flocks. They feed on invertebrates, such as earthworms, beetles, flies and caterpillars that are on or close to the surface.

Main Site: A single individual was recorded within the large arable field compartment at the eastern extent of the site at the end of February 2013. Given the date recorded, it is possible that this individual was attempting to set up a breeding territory rather than forming part of the sites over-wintering bird assemblage.


Local

Loss of the open arable field compartments from the Main Site will remove all potential over-wintering habitats within the application site. There is potential for the retained fields in the southern part of the site to continue to provide foraging habitat for over-wintering lapwing, albeit it in reduced numbers.

Stock dove Nest holes are excavated within sandy banks located around fish rich slow flowing water courses.

Main Site: Small numbers recorded foraging within arable fields, particularly around the derelict farm buildings in the eastern part of the site. Bypass Corridor: Flock of 15 birds recorded foraging within arable in the north western part of the site on the third survey occasion. Single bird also recorded overflying the north eastern onsite arable field.

Local

Loss of arable habitat will reduce the overall availability of winter foraging habitat for the local stock dove populations. The provision of woodland and scrub planting will provide a supplementary foraging resource for this species. Planting should include native, fruit bearing species that will contribute to a mosaic of foraging resources within the surrounding landscape that will benefit this species.



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Compensation

Barn owl Breeds in open country especially farmland, but also marshes and forest edge in buildings, hollow trees or cliffs. Hunts over areas of rank grassland, along field edges, ditches, riverbanks, railway embankments and roadside edges.

Main Site: Single bird flushed from derelict buildings in the east of the site during several SPA species surveys. Several fresh pellets regularly recorded in the buildings Bypass Corridor: None recorded

Local

Please refer to the accompanying breeding bird report.

Kestrel Survives in a variety of habitats including towns and cities, most numerous in areas of rough grassland.

Main Site: Small numbers recorded foraging over the site. An adult was flushed from a roosting site within the derelict farm buildings in the east of the site. Bypass Corridor: Small numbers recorded foraging over arable habitats

Local

Loss of arable and grassland habitats at the Main Site and the fragmentation of these habitats at the Bypass Corridor site could reduce the overall availability of foraging habitat for kestrel in the locality.

The demolition of derelict farm buildings at the Main Site may reduce the availability of roosting sites. While retained areas in the south of the Main Site will continue to provide some foraging habitat, this will be in a reduced extent. The margins of scrub planting along the proposed Bypass Corridor should be planted with conservation headland that will provide suitable foraging habitat for kestrel. Consideration should be given to the provision of a number of kestrel nest boxes along the western and southern parts of the Main Site.

Marsh tit Marsh tits forage on insects and seeds and are most often found in broadleaved woodland, copses, park and gardens.

Main Site: None recorded. Bypass Corridor: Two birds recorded within woodland habitats to the west of the A508 (Stratford road) in the south of the survey area.

Local

Losses of woodland habitat within the Bypass Corridor site, particularly in the south, will reduce the overall availability of foraging habitat used by this species during surveys. Additional woodland planting in this part of the site will compensate for this loss and help to reduce any potential impacts associated with increased noise disturbance. Further areas of woodland planting will improve connectivity to further habitats to the north



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Compensation

Skylark Requires open, dry, flat habitat of grassland or arable crops such as cereals. Ground nester in these habitats. Forages on a mixture of plant and insect food types, with insects becoming highly important during the breeding season. Population decline due to agricultural practices and a reduction in suitable habitat.

Main Site: Recorded widely within the arable field compartments in relatively small numbers. Bypass Corridor: Moderate flocks and small numbers of individual birds recorded within arable farmland across the site during all three survey occasions. Peak count of 32 birds on the first survey occasion.

Local

The loss of arable habitat within the Main Site may l lead to a reduction in the site skylark population.

Starling During breeding season will concentrate where suitable holes are available, either naturally or in apertures of buildings. Invertebrate food fed to young. Forages mainly on the ground in open areas of short grass or sparse vegetation, e.g. cereal stubble, farmyards.

Main Site: Recorded on one survey occasion only and associated with the area of game bird cover crop and an arable field compartment at the northern extent of the site which offer some foraging opportunities. Additional sightings included large flocks foraging in arable association with winter thrushes.

Bypass Corridor: Small groups recorded foraging within hedgerows and arable habitats across the survey area. Peak count of 33 birds on the final survey occasion.

Local

Loss of arable farmland may reduce the overall availability of foraging habitat for overwintering Starling although hbaitat creation measures could compensate for losses.

Scrub and woodland planting along the Bypass Corridor environmental bund will provide and additional resource for this species, contributing to a mosaic of feeding habitats within the wider landscape. Planting should include a range of native, fruit bearing species. Aspects of the development proposals at the Main Site, including tree and ornamental planting along with lawned areas for example adjacent to car parking areas, will offer foraging and roosting opportunities to small numbers of over-wintering starling.



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Compensation

Fieldfare Widespread winter visitor occurring almost anywhere. Feeds along hedgerows and in orchards, pastures and other areas of short grass, and on arable fields. Feeding sites are often close to woodland and tall hedges. Nomadic in winter as they travel the countryside for food, sometimes joined by other thrushes and starlings.

Main Site: Recorded widely throughout the site and often foraging with other over-wintering thrushes within open arable fields, hedgerows and plantation woodland, notably the area surrounding the clay pigeon shooting club. Bypass Corridor: Recorded widely across the survey area in varying numbers foraging within hedgerows and arable habitats in association with other wintering thrushes.

Local

Loss of open arable fields and hedgerows will reduce the overall over-wintering opportunities available on site to fieldfare. The inclusion of woodland and structural planting to be included within the development areas should aim to include some berry or fruit bearing species which would continue to offer over-wintering foraging opportunities to large numbers of fieldfare

Song thrush

In winter can be found almost anywhere in mainland Britain especially inland. Birds from Iceland, Scandinavia, northern Europe and Russia join wintering resident birds.

Main Site: Recorded in small numbers associated with hedgerows and plantation woodland. Bypass Corridor: Peak count of four birds recorded during the second survey occasion within hedgerow and woodland habitat, including three in the northern part of the site.

Local

Losses of woodland and hedgerow habitats associated with the development of both sites will reduce the overall availability of foraging habitat available for this species in the short term until alternative habitats devlop.

Scrub and woodland planting along the length of the proposed Road Bypass will provide additional foraging habitat for this species and will improve connectivity between woodland habitats in the north and south of the site. Additional woodland planting and the creation of wet habitats associated with the Main Site will provide additional foraging opportunities for this species.



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Compensation

Redwing In winter, occurs in a wide range of habitats, from open woodland to fields, and in smaller numbers, gardens; in autumn (especially) primarily related to availability of fruit. The winter population of Britain and Ireland has been estimated at over a million birds. Will feed and roost with other thrushes, especially fieldfares.

Main Site: Recorded widely throughout the site in varying numbers and often in association with fieldfare.

Road Bypass: Moderate numbers recorded widely across the site foraging along with other winter thrushes.

Local

As with fieldfare

Mistle thrush Commonly found in woodland, parks and scrub. Forages on worms, slugs, insects and berries.

Main Site: Small numbers recorded foraging within arable fields near to hedgerows.


Local

As with song thrush

Meadow pipit Breeds in open county, especially upland moors, also on lowland heaths, downland, salt marshes, rough grassland and dune systems. In winter can be found on agricultural land, ploughed fields, coastal marches and along the edges of rivers and lakes.

Main Site: Large flocks recorded in association with skylark during SPA species surveys. Bypass Corridor: Small numbers recorded foraging in arable fields.

Local

As with skylark



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Compensation

Bullfinch Breeds mainly in broad-leaved woods, but also commonly in dense hedgerows and thickets. Adults are vegetarian, but invertebrates are important in diet of young.

Main Site: Recorded in small numbers on each of the 4 WBS survey occasions. Largely absent from the arable dominated habitats, only occurring within the more established habitats and particularly within the mosaic of plantation, scattered scrub and grassland surrounding the clay pigeon shooting club located outside of the current application boundary. Bypass Corridor: Regularly recorded within boundary hedgerows and woodland habitats, with a peak count of four birds including a group of three individuals within a hedgerow to the east of the site.

Local

Habitats of greatest value to bullfinch are to be largely retained, with the exception of loss of hedgerows.

The provision of woodland and buffer planting at both sites will offer a greater over-wintering habitat resource to bullfinch by providing greater foraging opportunities and provide greater connectivity of retained areas of plantation both within and outside of the site boundary.



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Compensation

Linnet Holds habitat preferences for scrub, farmland hedgerows, uncultivated fields, young plantations and woodland fringe habitats. Found in foraging flocks in the winter. Breeds in low dense bushes or hedgerows. Forages almost exclusively on seeds, taking few insects.

Main Site: Recorded outside of the current application boundary and in large numbers only on one survey occasion in association with the area of game bird cover crop. Bypass Corridor: Large flock of 65 birds recorded foraging within arable habitats to the north of the site on the third survey occasion before being flushed to fly south eastwards. Small numbers of individuals also recorded over flying the site during the same survey occasion.

Local

The loss of arable habitat within the Main Site and the fragmentation of arable habitats along the Bypass Corridor will reduce the potential opportunities that are available to over-wintering linnet. Large flocks of linnet were recorded infrequently at both sites and given the predominance of arable habitat in the wider landscape, both sites are considered to provide a supplementary foraging resource for the local linnet population..

Aspects of the landscape planting scheme will inevitably include the natural colonisation of some herb species, such as adjacent to areas of tree planting and around the edges of the balancing ponds. This will continue to offer a foraging resource to reduced local over-wintering linnet population.

Consideration should be given to creating wild bird seed planting areas along created woodland/scrub habitats along the Bypass Corridor that should be planted with seed rich species to supplement the availability of foraging resources.

Yellowhammer Traditionally based on edges of open areas of forest and fringing scrub of gorse, broom and hawthorn. Extends widely across cultivated land with hedges, plantations, and paths. Feeds mainly on grass seeds, invertebrates in the breeding season. Feeds wholly on the ground by hedges, tracks and newly sown fields.

Main Site: Small numbers recorded foraging within arable field compartments. Additional observations in 2016/17 found a large flocks foraging and moving across the north eastern part of the site. Bypass Corridor: Small numbers of individuals regularly recorded within hedgerows across the site in additional to flocks observed foraging within arable fields.

Local

While winter bird surveys recorded very few yellowhammer, a large flock were observed foraging and moving across arable fields in the north west of the site during 2016/17 surveys. This indicates that the site provides some value as a foraging resource for the local yellowhammer population, though survey has demonstrated that this is likely to be on an irregular basis.

The loss of arable habitats will therefore limit the overall availability of foraging habitat for the local yellowhammer population until other alternative habitats develop within the Green Infrastructure.



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Compensation

Reed Bunting Traditional habitat is that of prolific fairly low vegetation, mainly associated with intense soil moisture. Increasingly found in cultivated drier habitats.

Main Site: Recorded on the first two WBS surveys outside of the application site. Birds were recorded in association with the water body associated with the shooting club and the game bird cover crop Bypass Corridor: None Recorded

Local

Loss of open arable farmland within the application boundary is unlikely to impact on the local over-wintering reed bunting population in the short-term. Proposals to include a number of balancing ponds within the application boundary will introduce significant opportunities for over-wintering reed bunting once created.

1 Snow & Perrins, 1998 2 Based upon criteria set out in Table 2 and professional judgement. 3 Assumes that any suggested or proposed mitigation, compensation or habitat enhancements are undertaken in full.


Appendix A (Bird Report) –Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA / Ramsar

Citation



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Appendix B – 2014/15 Winter Bird Survey Results

Species Latin Survey

1 Survey

2 Survey

3 Survey

4 Conservation

Status

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

0 1 0 0 Not listed

Little Egret Egretta garzetta 0 0 1 0 Green list

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria 350-400

0 0 507 Green list

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 0 0 0 1 Red list

NERC S.41

Buzzard Buteo buteo 0 0 1 0 Green list

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 1 0 0 0 Red list

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus 0 1 0 0 Amber list

Herring Gull Larus argentatus 0 1 0 0 Red list

NERC S.41

Feral Pigeon/Rock Dove

Columba livia 0 10 0 0 Green list

Stock Dove Columba oenas 2 0 0 22 Amber list

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus 17 35 1 204 Green list

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 0 0 1 1 Amber list

Green Woodpecker

Picus viridis 0 1 1 3 Green list

Great-spotted Woodpecker

Dendrocopos major 2 0 1 0 Green list

Magpie Pica pica 3 0 4 3 Green list

Jay Garrulus glandarius 0 1 0 0 Green list

Jackdaw Corvus monedula 0 24 0 50 Green list

Rook Corvus frugilegus 1 0 0 0 Green list

Carrion Crow Corvus corone 8 1 6 61 Green list

Goldcrest Regulus regulus 2 0 2 6 Green list

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 8 4 11 11 Green list



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1 Survey

2 Survey

3 Survey

4 Conservation

Status

Great Tit Parus major 5 7 14 9 Green list

Coal Tit Periparus ater 1 0 0 0 Green list

Skylark Alauda arvensis 2 3 5 13 Red list

NERC S.41

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 1 flock 10 1 flock 3 Green list

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris 1 0 0 0 Green list

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

8 3 5 6 Green list

Starling Sturnus vulgaris 0 71 0 0 Red list

NERC S.41

Blackbird Turdus merula 14 18 28 27 Green list

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris 138 184 50 17 Red list

WCA Sch. 1

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 3 0 4 3 Red list

NERC S.41

Redwing Turdus iliacus 45 148 21 82 Red list

WCA Sch. 1

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 3 0 1 0 Red list

Robin Erithacus rubecula 8 4 11 15 Green list

Dunnock Prunella modularis 9 3 7 10 Amber list

NERC S.41

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba 1 0 0 1 Green list

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis 2 0 0 0 Amber list

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 1 1 4 2 Amber list

NERC S.41

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 17 15 154 41 Green list

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 17 1 14 20 Green list

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

2 130 1 0 Red list

NERC S.41

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 5 31 1 22 Green list

Siskin Carduelis spinus 0 10 0 0 Green list

Yellowhammer Emberiza citronella 1 0 0 4 Red list

NERC S.41



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1 Survey

2 Survey

3 Survey

4 Conservation

Status

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

4 5 0 0 Amber list

NERC S.41

Total No. Species 45 32 27 26 27



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Appendix C: Bypass Corridor – 2015/2016 Winter Bird Survey Results

Species: British Common

Name

Species: Latin name

Survey 1

Survey 2

Survey 3

Survey 4

Conservation Status &

Protection

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 1 1 3 Not listed

Buzzard Buteo buteo 1 1 2 Green list


1 0 3 Amber list

Rock dove/Feral pigeon

Columba livia 0 1 0 Green list

Stock dove Columba oenas 1 0 15 Amber list

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus 9 13 23 Green list

Green woodpecker Picus viridis 2 5 1 Green list

Great spotted woodpecker

Dendrocopos major 0 1 2 Green list

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 3 1 0 Amber list

Magpie Pica pica 6 6 9 Green list

Jay Garrulus glandarius 0 0 3 Green list

Jackdaw Corvus monedula 71 0 6 Green list

Rook Corvus frugilegus 0 0 16 Green list

Carrion crow Corvus corone 5 6 4 Green list

Raven Corvus corax 0 1 0 Green list

Goldcrest Regulus regulus 2 3 1 Green list

Blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus 13 31 11 Green list

Great tit Parus major 3 7 6 Green list

Coal tit Periparus ater 0 1 0 Green list

Marsh tit Poecile palustris 2 0 0 Red list

NERC S.41

Skylark Alauda arvensis 32 23 13 Red list

WCA Sch.1



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Species: British Common

Name

Species: Latin name

Survey 1

Survey 2

Survey 3

Survey 4

Conservation Status &

Protection

Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus 2 5 5 Green list

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris 0 1 0 Green list

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

5 2 4 Green list

Starling Sturnus vulgaris 29 0 33 Red list

NERC S.41

Blackbird Turdus merula 22 18 12 Green list

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris 85 15 186 Red list

WCA Sch.1

Song thrush Turdus philomelos 0 4 1 Red list

NERC S.41

Redwing Turdus iliacus 54 31 25 Red list

WCA Sch.1

Robin Erithacus rubecula 8 10 10 Green list

Dunnock Prunella modularis 6 3 2 Amber list

NERC S.41

Pied wagtail Motacilla alba 3 13 6 Green list

Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis 0 2 0 Amber list

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 8 16 41 Green list

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 2 3 4 Amber list

NERC S.41

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 4 1 1 Green list

Linnet Carduelis cannabina 0 0 70 Red list

NERC S.41

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 1 3 8 Green list

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella 17 9 20 Red list

NERC S.41

Total No. Species 39 31 31 32

Documents

Report - Planning Inspectorate · Northampton Gateway, Northamptonshire - Bird Report J:\5700\5772\ECO\Birds\2016\\Combined WBS Report\5772 Winter Bird Report.doc 3 fpcr 1.0 SUMMARY